These are my personal favourite 50 tracks selected to mark this milestone coming of age: The criteria for selection was based on a combination of pure musical prowess,the inspiration these gems have and continue to provide and the memories the repeated playing of these songs always prompts. Narrowing it down to just 50 was very difficult – did try and keep it to one song per act but in the inevitable cases it couldn’t be done. No excuse for including some very bizzarre and off beat slections – folks these …

These are the albums that have been provided me with constant inspiration over the years.
Looking over the pile of original vinyl records and CD’s this list is drawn from prompts many memories -from handing over 19 shillings for the budget Island Records sampler You Can All Join In- my first album purchase, through the various Zep milestone releases etc: every choice here tells a story. I’ve cheated a little in including a few multiple box sets, as lets face it every Zep album has to be in there and Nick …

This is a round up of the 50 most memorable gigs I’ve been lucky enough to attend over the years. Unsurprisingly the majority are Zeppelin related as that, particularly in the last few years has been my main focus of my live thrills. And what thrills they have been.
Looking over the list I really have enjoyed some amazing live performances – forgive the indulgence as I recall the circumstances behind these 50 very special occasions.
1: THE DAVE CLARK FIVE
GRANADA BEDFORD : APRIL 1964
Me, my bruv John and my Mum witnessed this …

It was very sad to hear the death of Ahmet Ertegun. His role in nurturing the career of Led Zeppelin can not be understated. It was Ahmet’s deep pedigree in music and understanding of the American market that inspired Peter Grant to take the band to unparalleled levels during the 70’s. His integrity and total harmony in supporting the band’s intentions throughout their career was also a crucial element in their success. There is little doubt that without the total support of Ahmet and Atlantic Records, the Zep story …

The Return Of The Honeydrippers

25 year ago today I was lucky enough to be in attendance at the first public reunion of the members of Led Zeppelin. It took place at the Golden Lion pub in Fulham London on the occasion of the Golden Lion Roadies Charity For Children Raffle presentation night. I’d worked with the pub and staff on this throughout 1981 organising the selling of the tickets through Tight But Loose 6. I also spent some memorable occasions in the bar (one very notable one in the company of John Bindon but …

I couple of weeks ago I took possession of a late birthday present – a new ION-USB vinyl record deck. You can’t beat the old vinyl for clarity of sound and plenty of the old faves have been out of their sleeves over the past weeks – none more impressive than Led Zep 4.
This re-awakening has been inspired by a trawl through Barney Hoskins new study of the Zep 4 album in the Rock Of Ages series via Rodale Books. A no frills straight ahead account of what went down …

I was very saddened on Wednesday to learn of the death of the legendary DJ Alan Freeman.
Back in the 1970’s, Alan Freeman did more than anyone in the broadcasting media in the UK to bring the music of Led Zeppelin to prominence via his Radio One shows – at a time where there was little outlet for rock music on the radio here.
”Fluff” as he was affectionately known, was for many years the presenter of the Sunday Pick Of The Pops chart countdown. Alan combined a flamboyant quick-fire catch phrase …

A week of recuperation while this virus hopefully takes leave, has afforded me the rare luxury of some concentrated listening as opposed to the usual grabbed soundbites via the iPod etc.
Last Monday I spent over eight hours wading through the entire Nine Lives box set – a virtual life in a day with Robert Plant. It was an uplifting experience that prompted a rush to get down 2,000 words of reflections, the fruits of which will be gracing the next Tight But Loose. Suffice to say for anyone who has …

Just when we riding on a wave of new optimism, I’ve encountered something of a set back.
One minute I was having a Tight But Loose planning meeting with Martyn and the bruv, when next thing I know, I’m on my way to hospital, brought on by a nasty virus that had me detained overnight for observation. This has since been diagnosed as Viral Labrinthitis, a vertigo related illness that has left me with dizziness, nausea and generally feeling pretty wiped out and having to be off work. Hopefully as the …